Methinks baskethilt G8b (page 150 in Mazansky) is the same one that McIntyre North sketched, in Plate 44 of True Highlanders, back in 1881. (even the blade looks right) . Mac

- The second illustration (Plate 44) shows a claymore in the possession of F. Mortimer, Esq., the hilt is a beautiful specimen of workmanship; the blade is 31" inches from hilt to point, the sword weighs 2 lbs. (ee); the maker's name is entirely obliterated; it was bought at the sale of the collection belonging to Mr. Drummond. - Leabhar Comunn Nam Fior Ghael , Vol. II, {"The Book of the Club of True Highlanders"} by C.N. McIntyre North , 1881Attachment: 70.54 KB, Viewed: 6382 times'Gott Bewahr Die Oprechte Schotten'XX ANDRIA XX FARARA XXMac's PictureTrail

Thanks to everyone who posted info on the weights of specific historical pieces.

I don't own any basket-hilts--either originals or replicas--yet. But, I have handled quite a few originals, an a couple of replicas. ALL the originals I handled were light and well-balanced--I would guess that at least two of them were around 2lbs flat. The replicas I have handled have been disappointing--an old Windlass "Irish Hilt" from Museum Reps, and Cold Steel's basket-hilted broadsword--both were friggin' clubs.

We should perhaps consider George Silver's description of the "short sharp LIGHT sword"..."Why meddle with us--you are not strong enough to break us--you know that you have won the battle and slaughtered our army--be content with your honor, and leave us alone, for by God's good will only have we escaped from this business" --unknown Spanish captain to the Chevalier Bayard, at the Battle of Ravenna, 1512

As this information is relevant to this thread I've left it here. As Mac's Scotland trip is an independent matter I've separated it into another thread in the Off Topic forum so as not to derail this one.

Thomas McDonald wrote:

I've recently returned from a most amazing trip to Scotland & Ireland, where I joined Vince & Grace Evans on one of their incredible research & study missions ! I could go on, and on, for days about the breath-taking pieces I got to see, handle, photograph, and marvel at (which I will try to recount as we go along here at mA), but I'll just throw out a few more baskethilt weights for now as that is the subject at hand !
* Unfortunately I'll not be able to include my photos of these particular ones as they were in the private reserve at Glasgow and permission to show them publicly has not been granted.)
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Baskethilt broadsword by Thomas Gemmill (Kings Armourer in Glasgow, c. 1718-1737) - 3 lbs. 2 oz.

Baskethilt broadsword (unsigned, possibly by the same hand as the ING signed hilt ?) Wide blade, muti-fullered, and pattern welded. - 3 lbs. 4-3/4 oz. (*we came across at least 3 different baskethilts in our travels that had definate pattern welded blades on them!)

We weighed one two-hand claymore in the Glasgow reserve and it came in at 4 lbs. 15 oz., and another at the Burrell that was 4lbs. 9 oz. (missing its 2 quatrefoil terminal ends). Also, a clamshell two-hander that weighed in at 4 lbs. 4-3/4 oz., and a big 'ol Lowland type that tipped the scales at 6 lbs. 8-1/2 oz.
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Plate 41
The Claidheamh-mor, "great sword", or two-handed sword, was common at one time, but when it was introduced into the Highlands is unknown. The one shown on plate 41(believed to have been used by Robert Bruce) is known to have belonged to the founder of the family of the McLeans of Coll. The handle is a fine specimen of carved work, the blade is of very good temper, and the sword is a very fine specimen of the armourer's art. The scabbard is not of the same age (plate 41, fig. A). The sword weighs 4 lbs. 8 oz., and the scabbard 1 lb. 1/4 oz.

Another sword, apparently by the same maker (also in the possession of Col. McLean of Coll), has not the same amount of finish bestowed upon it; the quatre-foils of the guard are left rough from the anvil, and the handle is plain; the scabbard is, however, older than the one previously described; both of the scabbards are of leather.
Figs. BB show the sword used by Lundin of that ilk at Bannockburn; the blade is about 49" inches long, and the weight is about 6lbs. 8oz.
Fig. C shows a two-handed sword at Cluny Castle, which formerly belonged to Fraser of Struie; there is a very good specimen at Ardvorlich, and one in the possession of Sir Noel Paton.

I';v done a bit with a basket hilt, and know once the adrenaline rush is gone, its hard to finess a restricted grip weapon. With straight grip swords, your secnd hand can add to control, so the weight is not as critical a factor.

For finess I'd agree a lighter sword would be the weapon of choice, but for sheer power in the cut I'll take a stout 3+ pounder anyday ! It probably depends alot on a swordsman's indivdual strength, too, as to how effective a heavier piece fairs !

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